MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact:
Amanda Henning Santiago
amanda@theparksidegroup.com
Albany Advocates Rally for Kids Online Safety Act with Bipartisan Support
Albany Elected Officials and Local Advocates to Call for the Passage of the Kids Online Safety Act to Prevent Online Threats and Promote a Safer Digital Environment for Children and Teens
(ALBANY, NY) – On Monday, January 22, at 11:00 am ET, Albany leaders and mental health and child safety advocates will convene for a press conference to discuss the urgent need for Congress to pass the federal Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This bipartisan federal legislation will put in place common sense safeguards to protect children against a tech industry that refuses to police itself.
The growing use of social media platforms has been a significant factor in the declining mental health outcomes among children, leading to negative body image, bullying, substance use, suicidal behaviors, and sexual exploitation. Between 2009 and 2019, rates of depression for teens doubled, and in 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth between 10 and 14 years of age and the third leading cause of death for those between 15-24 years of age. Increased concern about these rising impacts on young people contributed to a recent lawsuit filed by more than three dozen states, including New York, against Instagram and Facebook, alleging the companies use features to hook children and expose them to toxic and harmful content.
The event will feature a call to action, thanking Senator Schumer for his leadership on the issue, and encouraging federal lawmakers to support and fast-track the enactment of the Kids Online Safety Act of 2023 (S. 1409). They will also urge the Albany community to join in advocating for this critical legislation to protect children and finally hold Big Tech accountable.
WHO:
- Councilmember Meghan Keegan, Albany Common Council, 9th Ward
- Matthew Shapiro, Senior Director, Government Affairs at NAMI-NYS
- Mary Rodee, parent advocate & mother to ‘forever 15’ Potsdam High student Riley Basford, who was lost to suicide
- Glenn Liebman, CEO of Mental Health Association in New York State
- Laura Libruk, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
WHEN:
Monday, January 22
11:00 am ET
WHERE:
Empire State Plaza, State Street
Albany, NY
INTERVIEWS:
Media is encouraged to arrive by 10:45 am ET. Speakers will be available for questions after the event.
